White Aromatic Grapes

With a comparative tasting, let's discover two
aromatic grapes, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, by comparing them with a
non aromatic grape, Chardonnay

Studying the organoleptic qualities of wines and of grapes by using a
comparative tastings is extremely useful for the development of any taster's
skills. An useful exercise for the wine lover who is getting into the amazing
world of sensorial analysis, is the study of aromatic grapes. The capacity of
recognizing the typical qualities defining the so called aromatic grapes, allows
the taster to learn the differences from non aromatic grapes, therefore making
simpler their recognition in wines. The tasting we are proposing our readers
this month has the goal of studying two aromatic grapes - Gewürztraminer and
Sauvignon Blanc - by comparing them with a non aromatic grape - Chardonnay - in
order to understand the differences and qualities defining an aromatic grape. Of
all the three grapes, the only one which can be really considered aromatic is
Gewürztraminer, whereas Sauvignon Blanc - despite the fact it has a strong
aromatic quality - is considered as semi aromatic, and Chardonnay belongs to the
family of non aromatic grapes.

The choice of these three grapes was made according to the different families to
which they belong to, in order to clearly understand their olfactory qualities
by comparing the aromatic intensities of the three grapes. Before
beginning our tasting, it is good to remember the meaning of aromatic
grape. Despite all grapes have their own aromas, are being considered as
aromatic only those grapes whose wines are characterized by a strong and evident
aroma of grape. For this reason Muscat Blanc is considered an aromatic grape -
the grapey aroma in its wine is very strong - whereas Trebbiano Toscano is not.
In wines made with Trebbiano Toscano will be found other aromas, but the one of
grape will not certainly be present, and other aromas defined as primary
will be absent as well. The first goal of this tasting is to understand this
aroma and to recognize its presence, or absence, in all the three wines.

The Wines of the Tasting

The three wines we will be using in this comparative tasting are being produced
with the three grapes only, that is are mono varietal wines. In order to
better understand the qualities of the grapes, the wines we have chosen have
been fermented and aged in inert containers, in this case steel tanks. The
choice of three wines fermented or aged in cask - or barrique - would have not
been appropriate for the goal of our tasting as the aromas passed from wood to
the wine would have covered in a more or less evident way the natural
qualities of grapes. Moreover, it is appropriate to remember the area of origin
of the three wines will play a role in the organoleptic perception, and the same
is true for the enological practices used in the production. In case it is not
possible to use the three wines we are suggesting, you can alternatively choose
wines produced with the same grapes, possibly from the same areas and - in
particular - vinified in inert containers, such as steel or cement.

The wines of our comparative
tasting

The first wine, the one we will use as the main reference point for
understanding the primary aroma of grape, is Cantina Produttori Bolzano's Alto
Adige Gewürztraminer Kleinstein. An excellent Gewürztraminer wine that,
besides having the typical aroma of grape, has also an excellent number of
aromas typical of this variety. The second wine is Scubla's Colli Orientali del
Friuli Sauvignon, a wine that, besides having the primary aroma of this grape,
will also allow the study of the typical vegetal characteristic of this
variety. The third wine we have chosen for the tasting is Casale del Giglio's
Chardonnay, interesting for its organoleptic qualities of tropical fruit and
that will be compared with the ones of the other wines. In this third wine, the
primary aroma of the grape will not be found and therefore, thanks to
comparison, it will allow us to better recognize this aroma in the other two
wines. As for vintages, it will be chosen - for all the three wines - the most
recent one. The tasting will be done by pouring the wine in three ISO tasting
glasses and served at a temperature of 10° C (50° F).

Appearance Analysis

Poured in the glasses, the three wines will look very different one from
another. The aspect of all the three wines is crystalline and very transparent -
just like we would expect from any white wine - whereas the color offers many
possibilities for comparison and study. The three samples show very different
colors and nuances. Of the three wines, the one showing a paler color will be
Sauvignon Blanc and it is right this wine the first one we are going to analyze.
The color of this wine is intense greenish yellow and - by tilting the glass
over a white surface - we will notice, on the edge of the liquid mass towards
the opening, nuances of greenish yellow. The first element we get from observing
this aspect is that Sauvignon Blanc wines fermented and aged in inert containers
- steel or cement tanks - do not have intense colors: a quality which is
absolutely correspondent to the type and that we can see in this wine from
Scubla.

The next wine we are going to analyze is Casale del Giglio's Chardonnay. As
opposed to Sauvignon Blanc, the hue of this wine shows a straw yellow color and,
by tilting the glass, it will be noticed greenish yellow nuances on the edge,
similar to Sauvignon Blanc's color. Even in this case the color is perfectly
correspondent to the production style and to the type of containers used for
vinification. Finally, let's observe the color of Produttori Bolzano's
Gewürztraminer Kleinstein: the color has more intense and stronger hues and
the nuances are more deep with a straw yellow color. Even in this case the color
is perfectly correspondent to wines produced with Gewürztraminer and that in
many cases - according to the territory and to the meteorological conditions -
it can also show deep golden colors. It this examination it is better to compare
the three glasses by placing them against a white surface and by observing the
color variations according to the type of grape. Sauvignon Blanc gives wines
with paler color, Chardonnay gives colors of average intensity, whereas
Gewürztraminer produces wines with more intense colors.

Olfactory Analysis

The olfactory analysis of the three wines is the most interesting examination
and offers the best opportunities for our study. The first wine we are going to
analyze is Gewürztraminer. We will try to understand and identify - first of
all - the strong aroma of grape, typical in aromatic grapes and that in
Gewürztraminer is very strong. In this phase it is best not to swirl the glass
in order not to have all the other aromas develop and that would represent a
disturbing factor. Without swirling the glass, slowly smell the wine: the
aroma having the stronger intensity and that will be perceived to the nose will
be the one of grape, that is the quality defining Gewürztraminer as
aromatic. Then smell again the wine - even by swirling the glass - in
order to memorize this aroma. After a short pause, we will analyze the
Sauvignon Blanc: it will be noticed, among other aromas, that in this wine is
present - even though with a weaker intensity - the aroma of grape already
perceived in Gewürztraminer. After a short pause, it will be done the
olfactory analysis of Chardonnay: in this wine the aroma of grape will be
absent.

The three grapes we are using in our examination also offer other opportunity
for study thanks to their aromatic analogies and differences. If we consider
their aromas as a whole, the three wines offer three completely different
aromatic bouquets. Gewürztraminer, besides its strong grape aroma, is also
rich in fruit, floral and even spicy aromas. It is not by chance - of course -
that gewürz in German means spicy. Sauvignon Blanc has a
completely different nature: here strong aromas of vegetal essences are melt
with perceptions of fruits and flowers. Chardonnay - which we will be basically
using as a contrast grape - offers aromas of fruits, even tropical fruits,
and flowers. Let's concentrate our attention on tropical fruit aromas, present
in all the three wines. Gewürztraminer has aromas of litchi, pineapple and
grapefruit, Sauvignon Blanc will reveal aromas of banana and litchi, whereas
Chardonnay will develop aromas of banana and litchi. Compare the three wines
while trying to identify the aromas of tropical fruits and the different
intensities and nuances in every sample.

Sauvignon Blanc offers good elements of study which are completely absent in the
other two wines. Among the many and pleasing aromas, in the Sauvignon Blanc it
is possible to perceive a strong aroma of bell pepper and tomato leaf, aromatic
qualities which are absent in the other two wines. These aromas represent - as a
matter of fact - identifying qualities for many Sauvignon Blanc wines, in
particular the ones produced in cool climate areas or with not completely ripe
grapes. Even the aromatic series of flowers is interesting: in Gewürztraminer
will be perceived a pleasing aroma of rose - typical in this grape - as well as
hints of elder flowers. Even in Sauvignon Blanc will be found the aroma of elder
flower, here being more intense, that will be absent in Chardonnay, where they
will be found aromas of acacia and hawthorn. Finally, it is interesting to pay
attention on peach, apple and pear aromas, common in all the three wines. It is
good to remember the peach aroma is frequently present in all aromatic and semi
aromatic grapes. Whether Sauvignon Blanc can be recognized for its
vegetal quality, Gewürztraminer can be identified - besides the primary
aroma of grape - for its pleasing aromas recalling spices and aromatic herbs,
such as star anise and sage.

Gustatory Analysis

The goal of this examination is to compare the gustatory sensations of the three
wines and - in particular - the differences among structures. The first wine we
are going to analyze is Chardonnay: despite it has a higher structure than
Sauvignon Blanc, in this specific case it is appropriate to consider the
intensity and the variety of aromas as well as the alcoholic volume. Taste a sip
of Chardonnay: the first sensation perceived in the mouth is its pleasing
crispness, a quality which is also determined by its young age. Let's now pay
attention on the wine's structure: a good method is to have the tongue sliding
on the palate and to evaluate friction; the lesser the friction - therefore the
easier the tongue will slide - the greater the presence of solid substances and
therefore the greater the structure. Consider, as an example, the sensations
caused by water and milk: with water the friction is pretty high, whereas with
milk is low. The structure of this wine is to be considered average with a good
roundness and flavors are pretty intense; it will be noticed a good
correspondence to the aromas already perceived to the nose, in particular
banana, peach and pear.

Let's taste now Sauvignon Blanc: the friction of the tongue is higher, a
condition caused by a lesser structure, a typical quality in this grape. On the
contrary, it will be noticed a higher crispness and a higher intensity of
flavors: even in this case, these are typical organoleptic qualities of
Sauvignon Blanc. There will be perceived strong flavors of peach, pear and
litchi. Then it will be tasted Gewürztraminer: in this case the structure is
higher and it will also be noticed a higher burning sensation of alcohol while
noticing a good acidity as well. Even in this case these are typical qualities
of Gewürztraminer, a grape rich in sugar and therefore capable of producing
higher quantities of alcohol as well as higher structures. During the tasting of
Gewürztraminer it could be perceived a certain sweetness: this is a false
perception which is determined by its high roundness - or smoothness - that will
make the wine taste sweet or basically sweet; indeed the wine is absolutely dry.
There will be noticed very intense flavors corresponding to the nose, in
particular flavors of grape, peach, litchi and pear.

Final Considerations

The taste-olfactory persistence in the wines will be different in all the three
cases and with different intensities. Chardonnay will be the wine having the
shortest persistence, whereas Gewürztraminer will have the longest
persistence. It is good to remember aromatic grapes, when vinified with quality
criteria, generally have very long taste-olfactory persistence. The flavors of
Chardonnay in the mouth will be of banana, peach and pear, whereas Sauvignon
Blanc will have flavors of peach, pear and litchi as well as hints of grape. In
Gewürztraminer the flavor of grape will be pretty strong and long which will
be fused with the ones of peach, pear and litchi: an interesting analogy with
Sauvignon Blanc. Whereas it is possible to find some organoleptic analogies
between Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay - the wine used as a
contrast element - will have pretty different organoleptic qualities, in which
the typical characteristics of aromatic grapes will be absent. The only
exception is represented by the aroma of peach which, it should be remembered,
is not always found in Chardonnay wines vinified in inert containers.

Wines of the Month

Score legend

Fair Pretty Good Good Very Good Excellent Wine that excels in its category Good value winePrices are to be considered as indicative. Prices may vary according to the countryor the shop where wines are bought

Colli Orientali del Friuli Cialla Bianco 2003

Ronchi di Cialla (Italy)

Grapes: Ribolla Gialla (60%), Verduzzo Friulano (30%), Picolit (10%)

Price: € 13.00

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant golden yellow color and nuances of golden
yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes intense, clean and pleasing
aromas which start with hints of apple, plum and almond followed by aromas
of acacia, hawthorn, jasmine, broom, pear and hints of vanilla. In the
mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack and however
balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is
persistent with flavors of plum, pear and almond. Cialla Bianco ages in
barrique for 11 months followed by 6-12 months of aging in bottle.

Colli Orientali del Friuli Schioppettino Cialla 2001

Ronchi di Cialla (Italy)

Grapes: Schioppettino

Price: € 28.00

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red,
moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of cherry and plum followed by aromas
of blueberry, blackberry, rose, vanilla, bell pepper, white pepper and
licorice. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic
attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good
tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of blueberry and cherry.
This Schioppettino ages for 14-18 months in barrique followed by 30-36
months of aging in bottle.

Food Match: Stuffed pasta, Stewed meat with mushrooms, Roasted meat

Teroldego Rotaliano Diedri 2001

Dorigati (Italy)

Grapes: Teroldego

Price: € 19,00

Score:

The wine shows a deep ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
which start with hints of black cherry, blueberry and plum followed by
aromas of blackberry, black currant, violet, vanilla, tobacco and carob. In
the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and
good roundness, however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense
flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum,
blueberry and blackberry. Diedri ages for 12 months in barrique followed by
6 months of aging in bottle.

Food Match: Game, Roasted meat, Stewed and braised meat, Hard cheese

Trento Talento Brut Riserva Methius 1999

Dorigati (Italy)

Grapes: Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Noir (40%)

Price: € 32.00

Score:

A great classic method sparkling wine. This Talento shows an intense straw
yellow color and nuances of straw yellow, very transparent, good
effervescence, fine and very persistent perlage. The nose reveals good
personality with intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which
start with hints of banana and bread crust followed by aromas of acacia,
pineapple, butter, hawthorn, kiwi, yeast, apple, honey, grapefruit,
hazelnut, plum, chamomile and hints of vanilla. The mouth has excellent
correspondence to the nose, a crisp and effervescent attack, pleasing
smoothness, however well balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors,
agreeable. The finish is very persistent with long flavors of banana,
honey, grapefruit, apple and hazelnut. A great Talento. Part of the
Chardonnay used for the preparation of base wine ferments in barrique.
Methius ages in bottle on its lees for about five years and after
disgorgement ages in bottle for 6-8 months.

Langhe Rosso Monprà 2001

Conterno Fantino (Italy)

Grapes: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: € 27.50

Score:

The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas that start with hints of black currant, black cherry and
plum followed by aromas of blueberry, strawberry jam, violet, vanilla,
licorice, cocoa, tobacco and eucalyptus. The mouth has good correspondence
to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full body,
intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with
flavors of black cherry, plum and black currant. A well made wine. Langhe
Rosso Monprà ages for 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months of aging
in bottle.

Barolo Sorì Ginestra 2001

Conterno Fantino (Italy)

Grapes: Nebbiolo

Price: € 57.50

Score:

This Barolo shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red,
little transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas which start with hints of cherry, plum and violet followed
by aromas of dried rose, vanilla, licorice, tobacco, cocoa, mace, menthol
and thyme. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack
and however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins.
The finish is very persistent with long flavors of cherry and plum. A well
made wine. Barolo Sorì Ginestra ages for 24 months in barrique followed by
12 months of aging in bottle.

Monferrato Rosso Le Grive 2002

Forteto della Luja (Italy)

Grapes: Barbera (80%), Pinot Noir (15%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%)

Price: € 15.00

Score:

The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
which start with hints of cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas of
vanilla, licorice, cocoa, cinnamon, tobacco and menthol. The mouth has good
correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and pleasing crispness, however
well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins. The
finish is persistent with flavors of cherry and plum. A well made wine.
Monferrato Le Grive ages in cask for 6 months.

Food Match: Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Moscato d'Asti Piasa San Maurizio 2004

Forteto della Luja (Italy)

Grapes: Muscat Blanc

Price: € 9.00

Score:

The wine shows a brilliant greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish
yellow, very transparent, good effervescence, fine and persistent perlage.
The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean, pleasing and refined
aromas which start with hints of grape and peach followed by aromas of
acacia, citrus fruits, apple, litchi, citronella, sage, pear and honey. The
mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a sweet, crisp and effervescent
attack, however balanced, light body, intense flavors, agreeable. The
finish is persistent with flavors of grape, peach, pear and litchi. A well
made wine.

Food Match: Cream desserts, Fruit desserts, Semifreddo, Panettone

Valtellina Rosso 2003

The wine shows a pale ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, moderate
transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
which start with hints of cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas of
raspberry, cyclamen, blueberry, licorice and vanilla. The mouth has good
correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and pleasing
crispness, however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good
tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of cherry and plum. This
Valtellina is made with the rinforzo technique, that is by adding wine
from dried grapes, and ages for 9 months in cask.

Friuli Isonzo Sauvignon 2004

Luisa (Italy)

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Price: € 13.50

Score:

This Sauvignon Blanc shows a pale straw yellow color and nuances of
greenish yellow, very transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean,
pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of peach, pineapple and
elder followed by aromas of litchi, pear, gooseberry, nettle and bell
pepper. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack
and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The
finish is persistent with flavors of peach, pineapple and litchi. This wine
ages for 7 months in steel tanks followed by 2 months of aging in bottle.

Friuli Isonzo Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso I Ferretti 2001

Luisa (Italy)

Grapes: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

Price: € 20.00

Score:

The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
which start with hints of black cherry and plum followed by aromas of
blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, bell pepper, menthol, violet, vanilla and
carob. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic
attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good
tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and
raspberry. This Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso ages for more than 15 months in
cask followed by 12 months of aging in bottle.

Food Match: Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa 2001

Vignamaggio (Italy)

Grapes: Sangiovese (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)

Price: € 21,50

Score:

This Chianti Reserve shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet
red, little transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet
followed by aromas of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon, licorice, mace
and menthol. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack
and however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins.
The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry and plum. This
Chianti ages in cask for 18-20 months followed by at least 6 months of
aging in bottle.

Food Match: Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Wine Obsession 2001

Vignamaggio (Italy)

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Price: € 31.25

Score:

This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas that start with hints of black cherry, plum and black
currant followed by aromas of blueberry, bell pepper, violet, vanilla,
tobacco, licorice, cocoa, mace, eucalyptus and hints of wet earth. The
mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however
balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable.
The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and black
currant. A well made wine. Wine Obsession ages for 18-20 months in barrique
followed by at least 6 months of aging in bottle.

Food Match: Game, Stewed and braised meat, Roasted meat, Hard cheese

Corbec 2002

Masi - Tupungato (Argentina)

Grapes: Corvina (70%), Malbec (30%)

Price: € 19.90

Score:

This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas which start with hints of blackberry, plum and black cherry
followed by aromas of dried violet, licorice, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon,
anise, chocolate and menthol. The mouth has good correspondence to the
nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense
flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of blackberry,
black cherry and plum. A well made wine. Corbec is made with slightly dried
grapes and ages for 18 months in barrique.

Food Match: Game, Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera 2001

Masi (Italy)

Grapes: Corvina (70%), Rondinella (25%), Molinara (5%)

Price: € 25.90

Score:

This Amarone shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red,
little transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and blackberry
followed by aromas of blueberry, violet, vanilla, licorice, tobacco, cocoa,
cinnamon, black pepper and eucalyptus. The mouth has good correspondence to
the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full body,
intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with
flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum. A well made wine. Amarone
Costasera ages for 24 months in cask followed by at least 4 months of aging
in bottle.

Food Match: Game, Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Lucciaio 2002

Pieve del Vescovo (Italy)

Grapes: Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Sangiovese (15%)

Price: € 20.00

Score:

The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
which start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas
of blueberry, black currant, vanilla, licorice, menthol and carob. The
mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however
balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish
is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and black currant. A well
made wine. Lucciaio ages for 10 months in barrique followed by 4 months of
aging in bottle.

Food Match: Braised and stewed meat, Roasted meat, Hard cheese

Tezio 2002

Pieve del Vescovo (Italy)

Grapes: Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (50%)

Price: € 30.00

Score:

This wine shows a deep ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas which start with hints of black cherry, black currant and
plum followed by aromas of blueberry, violet, blackberry, bell pepper,
tobacco, vanilla, licorice, cocoa and eucalyptus. The mouth has good
correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by
alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent
with flavors of black cherry, plum and black currant. A well made wine.
Tezio ages for 13 months in barrique followed by 7 months of aging in
bottle.

Food Match: Game, Stewed and braised meat, Roasted meat, Hard cheese

Contessa Entellina Vigna di Gabri 2004

Donnafugata (Italy)

Grapes: Inzolia

Price: € 9.80

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant golden yellow color and nuances of golden
yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of pear, apple and plum followed by
aromas of banana, hawthorn, vanilla and hints of coffee. The mouth has good
correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack and pleasing roundness, however
balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors. The finish is persistent
with flavors of plum, apple and banana. Part of the must used for the
production of Vigna di Gabri ferments in barrique. The wine ages for at
least 4 months in bottle.

Moscato di Pantelleria Ben Ryé 2003

Donnafugata (Italy)

Grapes: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)

Price: € 35.20

Score:

This Moscato di Pantelleria shows an intense amber yellow color and nuances
of amber yellow, transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing,
refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of raisin, dried fig and
candied fruit followed by aromas of apricot jam, peach jam, date, almond,
litchi, lavender, citrus fruit peel and honey. The mouth has good
correspondence to the nose, a sweet and round attack, however balanced by
alcohol, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is persistent
with flavors of raisin, dried fig, date and honey. A well made wine. Ben
Ryé ages for at least 4 months in bottle.

Food Match: Dried fruit and almond tarts, Hard and piquant cheese

Lison Pramaggiore Tocai Italico Lison Classico 2004

La Braghina (Italy)

Grapes: Tocai Friulano

Price: € 8.00

Score:

The wine shows an intense greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish
yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes clean and pleasing aromas that
start with hints of pear, apple and hawthorn followed by aromas of almond,
broom and plum. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp
attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors. The
finish is pretty persistent with flavors of pear, apple and almond. This
wine ages for 4 months in steel tanks.

Food Match: Fried fish, Risotto with vegetables, Dairy products

Lison Pramaggiore Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2004

La Braghina (Italy)

Grapes: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

Price: € 9.50

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red,
moderate transparency. The nose denotes clean and pleasing aromas that
start with hints of black cherry, plum and blueberry followed by aromas of
raspberry, cyclamen and violet. The mouth has good correspondence to the
nose, a slightly tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body,
intense flavors. The finish is pretty persistent with flavors of black
cherry and plum. This wine ages in steel tanks for 5 months.

Moscato Sicilia

Alagna (Italy)

Grapes: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)

Price: € 5.00

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant amber yellow color and nuances of amber yellow,
transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
which start with hints of raisin, citrus fruit peel and dried fig followed
by aromas of candied fruit, honey, date, almond and apricot jam. The mouth
has good correspondence to the nose, a sweet and round attack, however
balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors. The finish is persistent
with flavors of raisin, dried fig and candied fruit.

Food Match: Dried fruit tarts, Baked desserts, Hard cheese

Marsala Vergine Baglio Baiata

Alagna (Italy)

Grapes: Grillo, Catarratto

Price: € 10.00

Score:

This Marsala shows a brilliant amber yellow color and nuances of amber
yellow, transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined
aromas which start with hints of dried fig and rancho followed by aromas of
almond, licorice, leather, date, honey, vanilla and citrus fruit peel. The
mouth has good correspondence to the nose, an alcoholic attack, pleasing
crispness and roundness, however balanced, full body, intense flavors. The
finish is persistent with flavors of dried fig, almond and date. This
Marsala Vergine ages for at least 5 years in cask and then is processed
with the perpetuo system.

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